The Detroit Pistons’ basketball communications team has been awarded the 2025-26 Brian McIntyre Media Relations Award. This prestigious award is presented each season to the NBA media relations staff that demonstrates professionalism and excellence, as announced by the Professional Basketball Writers Association.
Led by chief communications officer Kevin Grigg, the Pistons’ staff includes Cletus Lewis, vice president of public relations; Michael Horan, senior director of communications; Corey Moore, senior manager of public relations; and Savannah Strawter, coordinator of public relations.
The team, along with head coach J.B. Bickerstaff, promotes a culture of respect and cooperation with local and national journalists covering the league. Their dedication to these values has contributed to accurate and comprehensive coverage of the team.
President of the PBWA, Howard Beck, commented on the Pistons’ PR staff, stating, “The Pistons’ resurgence has put this franchise back in the national spotlight – but everyone who covers the league knows that the Pistons’ PR staff has been elite for many years. If anything, this award feels overdue.”
The Washington Wizards’ media relations staff finished second in the voting for this year’s award, with other finalists including the Atlanta Hawks, Orlando Magic, and Houston Rockets. The winner was determined by a vote of the PBWA membership.
Established in 2006-07, the Brian McIntyre Award is named after the former longtime NBA public relations director. The PBWA also honors a coach (Rudy Tomjanovich Award) and star player (Magic Johnson Award) who excel in working with the media and informing fans. No team or individual can win in consecutive years under current PBWA rules adopted in 2020.
The PBWA comprises over 200 writers and editors who cover the NBA and the WNBA regularly for various media outlets.
(Context: Brian McIntyre Media Relations Award winners are listed for the years 2006-07 to 2024-25. Fact Check: The Detroit Pistons won the award in the 2025-26 season.)
